The Immigration Department will work to shorten passenger clearance times and alleviate pressure on frontline staff, says Secretary for Security TK Lai.

Mr Lai told lawmakers today the Administration will consider the need for additional staffing under existing procedures, as new control points will start operating in the coming years.

To cope with passenger increases, he said, the department will improve existing control point facilities, deploy manpower flexibly, streamline workflows, and take advantage of information technology to reduce clearance time.

The Frequent Visitor e-Channel service and non-stamping arrangement for visitors have shown positive results, he said, and the Government will monitor these measures’ effectiveness and consider the need for manpower and other resources.

Mr Lai said the department values staff leave, and will arrange for it provided public service operational needs are met.